Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)

Subject: Obit: Terry Conway
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 05 Jun 13 - 08:58 AM

Terry, composer and singer of fine songs, died last night in hospital, of mesothelioma.
He recently married Liz Law, his long-term partner.

I didn't know him well, but its very sad. My thoughts are with Liz and family.

Fareweel regality indeed.

Paws / Julia

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway
From: MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 05 Jun 13 - 09:49 AM

This is a tragic loss.

Terry was a genuine Northumbrian original - equally convincing with tragic border ballads like "Johnnie Armstrong's Last Goodnight" or chirpy music-hall songs like "The Neighbours Down Below". His own compositions were always competently written and unpretentiously delivered - the best of them were simply superb. Besides all that, he was a good man who will be sadly missed by many friends, myself among them.

Mike Sutton

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 05 Jun 13 - 10:48 AM

In May 2009 I reviewed the Terry Conway & Liz Law CD 'Of Riots and Rabbits' (Stonehouse Music SHMCD02) for the Living Tradition magazine. I closed by saying that the album was 'a treat to listen to', adding 'look out for Law and Conway if they come your way.' I was hoping that they might come my way some time. Now I know that they won't. It's very sad to note the passing of such a talented man. My condolences to Liz Law and to Terry's family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: Young Buchan
Date: 05 Jun 13 - 11:25 AM

A gentleman, with a deep knowledge of traditional song. One of the best revivalist performers of the border ballads.
Condolences to Liz, Alice and Fergus

Derek

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: nutty
Date: 05 Jun 13 - 12:40 PM

Such sad news. Terry was an amazing man as well as a very accomplished songwriter and as a musical duo with Liz on dulcimer they were a joy to listen to.
RIP Terry

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 05 Jun 13 - 02:07 PM

I'm very sorry to hear this news; I never met Terry, and now it is too late but I love his songs, in particular Farewell Regality. My condolences to Liz.

Matthew

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 05 Jun 13 - 07:39 PM

Very sorry too: I saw them both at the Fifesing at Collessie last year (or was it the year before?) and thoroughly enjoyed their songs.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jun 13 - 08:50 PM

I knew Terry from 1966 to 1985 in Hexham, at Newcastleton festivals, and Morpeth to some extent. Every Monday at the Royal Hotel, and across the Shire. I am glad someone mentioned 'Johnny Armstrong's Last Goodnight', which is the best I've heard a Border Ballad before or since. 'Farewell Regality' was his own, and among his best. He loved 'Jemima' and I hope in time, someone will do 'Erwin Rommel' which is equally good read as poetry. He was quite a Historian with an original way of seeing.
There are many of his comic songs that I know will pass into tradition, like 'Harry Thompson's Orange Army' or 'Ballad of the Working Man' and maybe hundreds since I had to leave Northumberland for work.
He was the Gold Standard, and is still, since they broke the mould.
Rest Easy now, old friend. Carole Garland (Hill).

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 06 Jun 13 - 02:57 PM

A few years back I was invited to a record launch in Northumberland. Terry was in the audience and, having been asked if he would like to sing, he gave us a delighful performance. He really was good and I am sorry that I never heard him again. I can still remember that night as though it was only a few days ago. His passing is a great loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 06 Jun 13 - 04:59 PM

I only met Terry a few times over a short period about 5 years ago. He and Liz run a music session in the lovely pub in Catton, near Allendale Town. It was (is?) a real attempt to bring the music out of the folk clubs and concerts and back to the people. I admired him greatly just for that and he will be a great loss to the music of that area. The session up there gets better by he day.... RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 07 Jun 13 - 04:53 AM

Another incredibly tragic loss to the folk community.
I'd only known Terry for around ten years, but when Liz introduced us I felt I'd known him much longer. He was so welcoming, kind, genuine a man - and so unassumingly talented. His songwriting stands up there with the best the region has to offer, with a real gift for both tragic and comic forms. And as a performer he was a true individual, with an amazing, unmistakable delivery. And he was such a fund of knowledge of the tradition. It's doubly sad that he made so few recordings, but I've long treasured the two fairly recent CDs he made with Liz. What a team, what a marriage.
My condolences to Liz.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: Worcesterman
Date: 07 Jun 13 - 11:52 AM

I came across Terry's songs several years back, when I heard "Working Man". Then he and Liz were invited to come and sing at The Somers Folk Club in Worcester at the members concert. A rare privelege to meet both of them, and to hear him sing "Jemima", plus more of his inimitable songs from their cd "Premier". I know from Liz's posts on Facebook, that they have been busy recording as much of his work as possible, so that it is not lost to the music world- which it should not be. A lovely man, and superb songwriter now lost to the folk world. 'Bye, Terry. RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,Dunelmian
Date: 08 Jun 13 - 03:02 PM

Terry Conway was a good man, a fine singer and an exceptional writer of songs.We wished him and Liz 'farewell'at the Thirsk singing in January and would not have believed it was to be the last time. Thanks for good memories, Terry and every good wishes to Liz

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,GUEST Ian West
Date: 08 Jun 13 - 07:22 PM

Good bye Terry! And thank you for the many wonderful songs that I have enjoyed since I came north to Hexham in 1976. My condolences to Liz Conway, but thanks also - for letting us share your loss and add our pennyworth of grateful memories that will remain for many years the Terry Conway legacy. Ian (Longhirst)

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 09 Jun 13 - 07:45 PM

It is with great sadness that I read this post. Our thoughts are with Liz at this time. Terry's wonderful performances of old Northumbrian ballads were insperational. It is sad to think that such gems as the Two Clerks of Ousenford and the Death of Percy Reed will now rarely be sung with such depth of connection . We will miss his kindness and talent. Condolences to all his family.
H and S

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,Anne Sked (nee Davison - cousin to Terry)
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 07:17 AM

I have always known Terry was talented but it's absolutely wonderful to read so many kind words about him and his songs. I only wish I could have spent more time with him over the last few years, I have missed so much... but value the years we spent together in the 1970s at Hexham Folk Club. Liz has been his love and his partner for many years and my deepest sympathy goes to her and the rest of our family. xx From Anne

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,Jo Pulleyn-Sked
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 07:30 AM

So sad that uncle Terry has left us, but it's nice to know heaven gained such a talented man, it's time for him to perform amongst the stars and those who knew him, loved him and had the joy of listening to his performances are better for having experienced it.

Sweet dreams Terry. Thoughts go out to Liz and family as well as my Aunty Jacqui and mum who loved their cousin beyond words xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,Jacqui Foster
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 09:15 AM

Terry was my cousin his Mam was my Godmother.
He was always around when Anne and I were growing up.
I will miss you you were a great person. His uncle Gerry always said only the good die young and he was right.
Tons of love
Jacqui

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jun 13 - 02:04 AM

Uncle Terry was my mum's cousin and as they spent so much time together on the folk club scene when she was younger she then chose him as my godfather. I am amazed at the amount of messages that have been left on here and it's a tribute to his character that so many will miss him. I was very lucky in managing to get to his and Liz's wedding and I will keep that bittersweet memory with me. Yes terry you should have done that years ago! It was touching to see so many of his friends at the funeral and overwhelming to hear everyone singing his songs. A wonderful character, we will miss you. From Karen Sked (Anne Davison's daughter)

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,Pat Fraser(nee Davison)
Date: 23 Jun 13 - 06:44 AM

So sad to hear of the recent passing of my dear cousin Terry. In our younger days we spent many good times together taking the dogs for walks,making up stories and getting into trouble with Aunty Cath.I am sad that I have missed the later years of his life but glad that he met and married Liz. I am also sad that I was on holiday and missed saying goodbye with his family and friends. RIP Cuz, a fine gentle person

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,Rob Green
Date: 05 Jul 13 - 02:25 PM

So sorry to hear about Terry`s passing.

The Battle of Alma was our most requested song at our radio station in Cheshire, HCR (Halton Community Radio, )but what wonderful songs he wrote, including the unforgettable Fareweel Regality.

My thoughts are with Liz and his family and many friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,GUEST,Ralph
Date: 21 Jul 13 - 11:18 AM

Just caught up with this sad news having listened to BBC Late Junction last week. Terry was a fine man, humble, creative, friendly and caring. Last spoke with him when he was playing guitar and singing on a street corner in Hexham. Maybe 2 years ago. What a real pity he is no longer with us.

A loss to us all and especially Liz Lowe. My condolences.

Subject: Obit: Terry Conway
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 12:00 PM

A very interesting account of this folk songwriter's life in The Guardian 10 Aug.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 01:04 PM

Deserves a blicky: Terry Conway obituary.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,Bill Postma
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 08:03 AM

Have just seen Terry's obituary in the Guardian. Last time I saw Terry was busking in Hexham a couple of years or more ago but I was unable to speak with him. The previous times were at school in the mid to late 1950's when I remember Terry as a very nice shy and thoughtful classmate. I was only partly aware of his significant career as a local musician our paths having gone in totally different directions.
My abiding memory of Terry Conway was in class in 1957 when our class was without a teacher for a couple of hours or so and we were told to do some reading or other work and behave - as pupils did in those days. It was suggested by someone that we sing songs and everyone went quiet except Terry who almost immediately put his head over the parapet and offered to sing. He faultlessly and competently sang Peggy Sue by Buddy Holly and I well remember the effect this had on other members of the class. His reputation and stock rose amazingly in the eyes of the rest of the class and it is obvious that this was only a taster for his coming lifestyle. It is always good to see old and previous friends come good in life and leave a mark as Terry obviously has but sad to know he has passed this way - never to return. Goodbye Terry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: GUEST,Jeremy Hopkin
Date: 15 Sep 13 - 08:22 AM

I will miss you Terry. Wonderful voice, clear heart.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Conway (4 Jun 2013)
From: Felipa
Date: 15 Sep 13 - 09:38 PM

really sad to read this news, very much enjoyed Terry's presence and singing and playing at gatherings of Nonsuch Dulcimer Club